Shortly after noon, the Imperial couple arrived at JR Maibara Station, where they were warmly greeted by the governor and other officials.
They then traveled to an athletics stadium in Hikone City to attend the opening ceremony of the nationwide sports gathering. As delegations of athletes from across Japan paraded into the venue, the Emperor and Empress smiled, waved, and applauded in support.
In his address, the Emperor said, “I hope the athletes will demonstrate the results of their daily training and efforts, while fostering mutual friendship and deepening exchanges with the people of Shiga Prefecture.”
During a performance where participants and spectators raised blue towels in unison to symbolize the color of Lake Biwa, the Emperor and Empress joined in, holding their towels across their chests. The gesture filled the stadium with a sense of unity.
https://newsonjapan.com/article/147053.php
